Members In Action Projects (February 2017)

Mar 02, 2017

Fall Bags for Education

Students model their fleece scarves.

In the fall of 2016, members of Zest No. 296, Omaha, NE, delivered Western Halloween bags to first grade students at Skinner Magnet School. The bags contained fleece scarves made by members, gloves, socks, two reading books, fire safety booklets, crayons, Western pencils, and erasers. After the delivery, a book was read to the class and six books were donated to the classroom. These materials were funded through the Members in Action program.

Secretary Marilyn Slezak commented, "The bags brought many smiles. The kids loved the scarves made by members. We served twenty-three kids in a low-income school and made a lasting gift to the classroom. Our members felt good about making the fleece scarves."

Brat Fry for Medical Responders

Members volunteering at the event.

Funds were raised for the town of Montpelier Emergency Medical Responders through a brat fry fundraiser. Members of Pilsen No. 391 (Luxemburg, WI) helped by purchasing food and volunteering at the day-long event.

Members in Action funds were used to cover food costs and purchase Western ultra-clip magnets to give to attendees. In addition to the magnets, bike safety and earth care brochures were handed out and a Western banner was displayed to help promote the Association.

This was the second year for the event. The funds will be used for equipment, medical supplies, and continuing education expenses for the medical responders.

Thanksgiving Dance and Sale

Correspondent Troy Boucek remarked, "Attendees enjoyed the music and beer." The event raised money for the lodge through admission and bake sale held during the dance. Members baked cookies, cupcakes, and Johnsville brats.

Members in Action funds were used to cover the DJ, refreshments, and advertisements. The lodge placed ads in the local shopper, on the radio, and online.

Village of Ashley

The Village of Ashley turns into a Christmas village from the 40’s and 50’s for five weekends before Christmas. Members of Michigan No. 225, Bannister, MI, help make this possible by baking each week and selling the home-cooked items in their Czech bakery. The lodge also sells Czeck items, cookbooks, and jewelry. Members help in other parts of the village by preparing the town before the event, volunteering as town mayor, safety officers, food workers, Santa, elves, craft helpers, post master, cleaning crew, and much more.